I'm considering taking the scenic route to my destination and am wondering how the drive is between BCN airport towards Tarragona. I have plenty of driving experience around Spain, but am curious if there is anything "scenic" about choosing this route compared to a slightly more direct route along the A-2. Google maps tells me it is less than 10 minutes difference in drive time to my destination by first heading along the coast on C-31/32. Thanks!
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3250 posts
You’ve got two choices — both beautiful, just very different styles of trip:
1) Inland: vineyards & medieval towns
Go via Sant Sadurní d’Anoia and Vilafranca del Penedès, the heart of cava country. If you’re into wine, stop for a tour at Codorníu (http://www.codorniu.com/en/visits) or Freixenet. From there, you’ve got two options: (a) Take the N-340 towards L’Arboç, where you can detour to Pantà de Foix Natural Park (http://parcs.diba.cat/ca/web/foix/inicior) and its Castellet Castle (http://www.penedesturisme.cat/en/what-to-do/castle-castellet). Or (b) take the AP-2 to the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus (http://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/monuments/monuments/royal-monastery-of-santes-creus), burial place of Catalan medieval royalty. Keep going and you’ll reach Montblanc, a lovely medieval town said to be where the Catalan version of the Saint George & the dragon legend took place (http://www.montblancmedieval.cat/see-do?set_language=en). On your way into Tarragona, make a last stop in Valls, birthplace of human towers (castells) and calçots. You can even follow one of the self-guided routes ( http://www.visitavalls.cat/en/what-to-visit/self-guided-routes/)
2) Coastal: beaches & fishing villages
If you’d rather follow the Mediterranean, the coast is full of stops: Sitges – stylish seaside town: http://www.sitgesanytime.com/, Vilanova i la Geltrú – authentic Catalan seaside feel: http://www.vilanovaturisme.cat/, Calafell – long beach and a medieval castle: http://www.calafellturisme.cat/en/, El Vendrell & Coma-ruga – thermal springs and the Pau Casals Museum: http://www.paucasals.org/en/, Torredembarra – wide sandy beach and Catalonia’s tallest lighthouse: http://www.turismetorredembarra.cat/, Altafulla – charming old town and calm beach: http://www.altafullaturisme.cat/, Tamarit Castle – dramatic seaside castle (mostly for photos, not always open): http://www.tamarit.com/ ...
And then, finally… Tarragona itself, with its Roman ruins, medieval streets, and Mediterranean views.
Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
220 posts
This is incredibly helpful- thank you SO much!